Kampala Marriott Hotel Officially Opens, Boosting Uganda's Tourism

Kampala's hospitality sector has gained a new luxury landmark with the official opening of the Kampala Marriott Hotel and Executive Apartments. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned the establishment in Nsambya, Kampala, underscoring its significance for Uganda's tourism, hospitality, and broader economic development.

The hotel, a venture by businessman Ponsiano Ngabirano under the Capital Shoppers hospitality group, features internationally branded accommodation, executive apartments, and conference facilities. President Museveni lauded the project as a testament to how Ugandan investors can shift from reliance on imports to creating high-value, locally-driven businesses and solutions.

“

This investment is an important contribution to Uganda's tourism, hospitality and wider economic transformation.

Museveni challenged domestic investors to pursue high-end ventures that generate jobs, wealth, and retain capital within Uganda. He pointed to commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT as key sectors ripe for investment. Citing examples like South Korea's Samsung and Nigeria's Aliko Dangote, he encouraged African investors to emulate their transition from trading to large-scale wealth creation.

“

This project demonstrates how Ugandan investors can move away from dependence on imported goods and services and instead create high-value businesses and solutions locally.

To support such investments, Museveni directed the government to enforce a 10-year corporate tax holiday for eligible investors. He also instructed Finance Minister Henry Musasizi to investigate concerns that taxes are hindering the hotel and hospitality industry. Furthermore, the President tasked the Ministry of Tourism to enhance worker training through the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, with private institutions playing a complementary role.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) was also directed to increase strategic investments in productive sectors. Museveni commended NSSF's 30 percent stake in the Kampala Marriott as a prudent decision. He also acknowledged Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala for providing land for the hotel's development, deeming it strategically vital for the project and Uganda's hospitality industry. Finance Minister Musasizi noted the hotel reflects Uganda's increasing appeal to both domestic and international investors, contributing to job creation, skills development, and modern tourism expansion.

“

The hotel demonstrates Uganda's growing attractiveness to both domestic and international investors.